Interactive entertainment system

ABSTRACT

In some examples, an interactive audio system includes a receiver for receiving a broadcasted radio frequency (RF) carrier signal. The system may demodulate a portion of the RF carrier signal to receive a demodulated output signal. For example, the demodulated output signal may include a demodulated audio program having embedded data contained within the demodulated audio signal. The system may extract the embedded data from the demodulated audio program. The system may present information related to the extracted embedded data on a display and/or may send at least a portion of the extracted embedded data to another device.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/292,140, filed on Oct. 13, 2016, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,882,664,which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/895,257,filed on May 15, 2013, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,484,964, which is aContinuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/874,360,filed Apr. 30, 2013, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,787,822, which in turnclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/760,586, filedon Feb. 4, 2013, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/721,531, filed Nov.2, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/698,266, filed Sep. 7,2012; and is also a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/874,374, filed Apr. 30, 2013, which in turn claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/760,586, filed on Feb. 4, 2013, andU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/698,266, filed Sep. 7, 2012, all ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes in theirentirety.

FIELD

The present invention generally relates to an entertainment system.

BACKGROUND

Consumers are spending a significant amount of time listening to AM/FMradio stations during the course of the day, including when traveling inthe automobiles. However, listening to AM/FM radio stations is a passiveexperience, where the listeners have a choice of either listening towhat is being broadcast or simply changing channels. There is littleinteraction between the listeners and radio stations. For example, thelisteners have no means of interacting with the radio stations toregister their interest in the program being broadcast other thancalling the radio stations. Similarly, the radio stations have few meansof learning their audience interest directly from their listeners.

Traditionally, AM/FM radio stations have relied on listeners calling theradio stations to register their interest or surveys of a samplepopulation of listeners, conducted by third parties such as NielsenMedia, to determine their listener interests and the reach of theiraudio programs. However, such surveys can be misleading due to variousfactors, such as how the sample population of radio listeners werechosen for the survey, how the sampled population understands terms suchas “listening” when responding to queries of the survey, etc.

Among teaching a variety of other things, certain aspects of theinventions herein have embodiments which may satisfy one or more of theabove-described issues.

SUMMARY

Introduced here are methods, systems, paradigms and structures forproviding an entertainment system. In one embodiment, an interactiveaudio system comprises a processor and a receiving module for receivinga radio frequency (RF) carrier signal associated with a broadcaststation. The audio system further comprises a memory storingcomputer-executable instructions, where the processing module isconfigured to access and execute the computer-executable instructions toperform a set of acts. The acts include shifting a frequency associatedwith the received RF carrier signal to an intermediate frequency (IF).The acts include demodulating the frequency shifted portion of the RFcarrier signal associated with the broadcast station, the demodulationresulting in an output signal. The acts further include extracting anembedded data from the demodulated output signal, where the embeddeddata can be utilized to interact with a party associated the embeddeddata. The acts further include serving the embedded data in conjunctionwith the demodulated audio signal.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described in the Detailed Descriptionand drawings. This Summary is not intended to identify essentialfeatures of the claimed subject matter or to limit the scope of theclaimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects, features and characteristics of the presentinvention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from astudy of the following detailed description in conjunction with theappended claims and drawings, all of which form a part of thisspecification. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A provides a brief, general description of a representativeenvironment in which the invention can be implemented;

FIG. 1B a flow chart illustrating a method for providing an interactiveentertainment system for a user in the above described generalenvironment;

FIG. 2A provides a flowchart of a method for embedding binary data ofthe embedded data into the audio signals associated with audio programs;

FIG. 2B provides an example of an audio signal and its associated timedomain and frequency domain data;

FIG. 3 provides a flowchart of a method for detecting and decoding theembedded data from the audio signals;

FIG. 4 provides an illustrative example of an audio streaming devicethat can be utilized to provide an interactive listening experience tolisteners of broadcast audio programs;

FIG. 5 provides an illustrative example of a listener utilizing apersonal computing device to use the decoded embedded data for engagingin an interactive listening experience; and

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a processing system that can implementoperations of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In order to provide a more interactive listening experience to audiolisteners, especially to radio listeners who are listening to radio intheir vehicles, the inventors have conceived a software and/or hardwarefacility (“the facility”) that facilitates interactive communicationbetween broadcast stations (and other interested third parties) andtheir listeners by enabling sharing of data utilizing existingcommunication channels, where the shared data can be utilized tofacilitate interaction.

In some embodiments, the facility implements a technique for encodingdata within the broadcasted audio programs, allowing the encoded data tobe shared with the listeners through the existing communication channelsutilized to broadcast the audio programs. The disclosed facility furtherincludes a technique for decoding the encoded data from the audioprogram using a receiver that receives the broadcast audio program,allowing the decoded data to be provided to a listener who is using thereceiver. The disclosed facility further implements a technique forenabling the listener to interact with the broadcast stations utilizingthe decoded data.

Hereinafter, descriptions will be provided on embodiments of thefacility with reference to the drawings.

References in this description to “an embodiment”, “one embodiment”, orthe like, mean that the particular feature, function, or characteristicbeing described is included in at least one embodiment of the facility.Occurrences of such phrases in this specification do not necessarily allrefer to the same embodiment, nor are they necessarily mutuallyexclusive.

Various examples of the techniques introduced above will now bedescribed in further detail. The following description provides specificdetails for a thorough understanding and enabling description of theseexamples. One skilled in the relevant art will understand, however, thatthe techniques discussed herein may be practiced without many of thesedetails. Likewise, one skilled in the relevant art will also understandthat the techniques can include many other obvious features notdescribed in detail herein. Additionally, some well-known structures orfunctions may not be shown or described in detail below, so as to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the relevant description.

The terminology used below is to be interpreted in its broadestreasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with adetailed description of certain specific examples of the facility.Indeed, certain terms may even be emphasized below; however, anyterminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will beovertly and specifically defined as such in this section.

FIG. 1A and the following discussion provide a brief, generaldescription of a representative environment in which the invention canbe implemented. Although not required, aspects of the facility may bedescribed below in the general context of computer-executableinstructions, such as routines executed by a general-purpose dataprocessing device (e.g., a server computer or a personal computer).Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that the facility canbe practiced with other communications, data processing, or computersystem configurations, including: wireless devices, Internet appliances,hand-held devices (including personal digital assistants (PDAs)),wearable computers, all manner of cellular or mobile phones,multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumerelectronics, set-top boxes, network PCs, mini-computers, mainframecomputers, and the like. Indeed, the terms “computer,” “server,” and thelike are used interchangeably herein, and may refer to any of the abovedevices and systems.

While aspects of the facility, such as certain functions, are describedas being performed exclusively on a single device, the facility can alsobe practiced in distributed environments where functions or modules areshared among disparate processing devices. The disparate processingdevices are linked through a communications network, such as a LocalArea Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), or the Internet. In adistributed computing environment, program modules may be located inboth local and remote memory storage devices.

Aspects of the facility may be stored or distributed on tangiblecomputer-readable media, including magnetically or optically readablecomputer discs, hardwired or preprogrammed chips (e.g., EEPROMsemiconductor chips), nanotechnology memory, biological memory, or otherdata storage media. Alternatively, computer-implemented instructions,data structures, screen displays, and other data related to theinvention may be distributed over the Internet or over other networks(including wireless networks) on a propagated signal on a propagationmedium (e.g., an electromagnetic wave(s), a sound wave, etc.) over aperiod of time. In some implementations, the data may be provided on anyanalog or digital network (packet switched, circuit switched, or otherscheme).

As shown in FIG. 1A, an embodiment of a data embedding module 102 thatcan be utilized to embed data within audio signals (i.e. signalsassociated with audio programs) is provided. In embodiments, the data tobe embedded within the audio signals is dynamic and can change inreal-time, where the data can include a combination of text, bar codes,quick response (“QR”) codes, images including images of QR codes,multimedia content, etc. For example, the image can be a picture takenin a party being thrown by a broadcast station while the text can beTweets (i.e., messages being exchanged over Twitter) received by thebroadcast station from listeners of the broadcast station.

In embodiments, the data embedding module 102 embeds a dynamic data inreal-time (i.e., as the data is being received) within the audio signalas they are being broadcast. For example, the Tweets appearing on abroadcast station's home timeline (i.e., a real-time list of Tweetsbeing received on Twitter) can be embedded, as they are received, withinthe audio signal of audio program before being broadcast by thebroadcast station.

In embodiments, the data embedding module 102 embeds the data within theaudio signal of the audio programs independent of the time of thebroadcast of the audio programs. For instance, when the data to beembedded is static, such as an existing coupon for an advertisedproduct, the data embedding module 102 embeds the static data within theaudio signal of the audio programs independent of the time of thebroadcast of the audio programs. In another instance, beforedistributing their music, an artist can embed their music with any datautilizing the data embedding module 102. Such a method of pre-embeddingstatic data within their music allows any broadcast station, whethercapable of embedding data or not, to broadcast the artist's music withthe embedded data. In one instance, the artists can embed data that canenable a listener to purchase the music directly from the artists orthrough a channel authorized by the artists. For example, the embeddeddata could be a URL link to the artist's website, where the listener canpurchase and download the music from. Such a system can enable theartists to directly market their music to the listeners and completelyavoid third-party marketing channels, such as iTunes, to market theirmusic. As discussed earlier, after pre-embedding static data within theaudio programs, the broadcast station can then broadcast the audioprograms with static embedded data without requiring data to be embeddedin real-time.

For example, marketing promotions, such as discount coupons, provided bymarketing agencies, can be embedded in audio programs and stored. Thestored audio programs with the embedded coupons can then be broadcastthrough various channels, enabling the promotion to be available to allthe listeners of the audio program irrespective of the broadcast channelthe audio program was provided through. The various channels forbroadcasting the audio program with the embedded data can include radiobands, such as FM, AM, satellite, etc.

The data embedding module 102 can be implemented either as hardware,software, or a combination of both. In embodiments, the data embeddingmodule 102 converts the data to be embedded into binary format beforeencoding the binary data (of the embedded data) into the audio signals.In embodiments, the data embedding module 102 splits the audio signalsinto its constituent frequency components before embedding the binarydata within the constituent frequency components. FIG. 2A providesadditional details of one technique the data embedding module 102 canutilize to encode the binary data into the audio signals (associatedwith the audio programs).

It should be noted that the conversion of data to be embedded into itsbinary format before embedding the binary data in the audio signals ismeant to illustrate one implementation of embedding data within audiosignals and should not be considered as limiting the invention to usingjust the illustrated implementation. Other methods, such as creating ascaled value of the data to be appropriately encoded within a componentof the audio signal (e.g., the magnitude of the audio signals), that beused to embed data without affecting the perceptible audio quality ofthe audio signal can be utilized to embed the data within the audiosignals.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the data embedding module 102 shares the audioprogram with the embedded data with a modulator 104 that modulates (i.e.embeds) the audio program within a carrier signal that can be broadcast.In embodiments, the modulator 104 varies one or more properties of aperiodic waveform (also referred to as the carrier signal) with theaudio signals (associated with the audio program with the embedded data)to modulate the audio signal within the carrier signal. Typically, thecarrier signal is a high-frequency sinusoid with the properties of thecarrier signal being varied includes amplitude (for amplitude modulated,or AM signals), frequency (for frequency modulated, or FM signals), etc.

The modulator 104 can be implemented either as hardware, software, or acombination of both. In embodiments, the modulator 104 can implement anywell-known modulation techniques to modulate analog audio signals (withthe embedded data) into a high frequency carrier signal, such as aradio-frequency signal (RF signal). For example, a broadcast stationusing FM to broadcast audio programs over 88.5 MHz frequency canmodulate the audio program over a sinusoidal RF signal of frequency 88.5MHz and broadcast the modulated RF signal.

As discussed earlier, the modulated RF signal not only carries the audiosignals of the audio program, but also the embedded data within theaudio signals. Further, as shown in FIG. 1A, the modulator 104 sharesthe modulated RF signal with a broadcast tower 106 that broadcasts themodulated RF signal. As discussed earlier, the RF signal can beamplitude modulated, frequency modulated, or modulated in any otherwell-known modulation formats. In embodiments, the broadcast tower 106can broadcast the modulated RF signal without being limited by themodulation of the RF signal.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the modulated RF signal is received by an audiostreaming device 108. In embodiments, the audio streaming device 108includes a RF receiver module 108 a to receive the modulated RF signal.In embodiments, the receiver module 108 a receives RF signals broadcastover a particular radio band (e.g., the FM radio band ranging from 87.5MHz to 108.0 MHz), allowing a user to choose and listen to audioprograms of any broadcast station broadcasting within the particularradio band. In embodiments, the audio streaming device 108 and itsvarious modules can be implemented either as hardware, software, or acombination of both.

In embodiments, the audio streaming device 108 includes a demodulatormodule 108 b to demodulate the audio program signals modulated withinthe received RF carrier signal. In embodiments, the demodulator module108 b includes an oscillator (not shown) and a mixer (not shown) to downconvert the frequency of the RF carrier signal to a lower intermediatefrequency (IF) before further processing of the RF carrier signal. Inembodiments, the demodulator module 108 b includes a low pass filter(not shown) to receive the down-converted RF signal and select/filter aportion of RF signal associated with a given broadcast channel (e.g.,broadcast channel of a particular radio station).

In embodiments, the demodulator module 108 b demodulates (i.e. extract)the audio program with the embedded data from the filtered portion of RFsignal associated with the given broadcast channel In embodiments, thedemodulator module 108 b includes particular demodulators fordemodulating RF signals with a particular type of modulation, such as anenvelope detector to demodulate audio program from an amplitudemodulated (AM) RF signal, a quadrature detector for demodulatingfrequency modulated (FM) RF signals, etc.

In embodiments, the audio streaming device 108 includes an embedded datadecoder module 108 c to detect and decode the embedded data within theaudio signals of the demodulated audio program (i.e. demodulated fromthe received RF carrier signal). In embodiments, the embedded datadecoder module 108 c can be implemented either as hardware, software, ora combination of both. In embodiments, the embedded data decoder module108 c splits the audio signals associated with the demodulated audioprogram into its constituent frequency components before detecting anddecoding the embedded data within the audio signals.

In embodiments, the embedded data decoder module 108 c detects theembedded data as binary data from the constituent frequency componentsof the audio program before converting the detected binary data into theembedded data. As discussed earlier, the data embedded within the audiosignals can include images, text, bar codes, numerical, multimediacontent, etc. In embodiments, the embedded data decoder module 108 cdecodes a portion of the binary data (e.g., first five bits of everyhundred bits after a synchronizing point) to determine the data type ofthe embedded data before applying an appropriate decoding algorithmbased on the determined data type to decode the embedded data.

For example, when the type of the embedded data is determined to be animage, the embedded data decoder module 108 c converts a predeterminednumber of detected bits into M*N pixels of the image using anappropriate binary to pixel conversion algorithm. In embodiments, thedecoding algorithm utilized in embedded data decoder module 108 ccorresponds to the encoding algorithm utilized by the broadcast stationwhen encoding the embedded data as binary data within the audio signals.

In embodiments, the embedded data decoder module 108 c includes decodingalgorithms that correspond to the encoding algorithms of each of thebroadcast stations (when different). Based on the broadcast stationwhose audio program is being decoded, the embedded data decoder module108 c chooses and applies the appropriate decoding algorithm fordecoding the embedded data. FIG. 3 provides additional details of onetechnique the embedded data decoder module 108 c can utilize to detectand decode the embedded data from the audio signals (associated with theaudio programs).

In embodiments, the audio streaming device 108 includes a user interface108 d to allow a user to interact with the audio streaming device 108.In embodiments, the user interface 108 d includes a display module (notshown) to display the decoded embedded data to the user. For example,decoded texts of embedded Tweets can be displayed to the user throughthe display module of the audio streaming device 108. In embodiments,the display module includes a touch panel to allow the user to provideinput to the audio streaming device 108 through the touch panel. Inembodiments, the user interface 108 d allows a user to interact with thedisplayed embedded data through the touch-sensitive display panel. Forexample, a user can click on a displayed image of a coupon, decoded fromthe embedded data, to store the coupon in the audio streaming device 108for later use.

In embodiments, the audio streaming device 108 shares the decodedembedded data with other personal computing devices of the user. Inembodiments, the other personal computing devices of the user includes amobile device 122, such as a smartphone, which can communicate with theaudio streaming device 108 through a communication interface (not shown)included within the audio streaming device 108. In embodiments, themobile device 122 interacts with the audio streaming device 108 togather the decoded embedded data available through the audio streamingdevice 108.

In embodiments, the audio streaming device 108 displays the embeddeddata, allowing the user to visually capture the displayed data usingtheir mobile device 122. For example, a displayed image of a QR code caneither be scanned or captured as a photo by the user using the mobiledevice 122, where the QR code can be further processed. Additionaldetails of an audio streaming device 108 are disclosed in, for example,in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/874,360 of V. Iyer etal., filed on the Apr. 30, 2013 and entitled, “Entertainment System”,which is incorporated herein by reference. It should be noted that otheraudio streaming devices are capable of being enhanced or created for usein accordance with the principles described herein.

As shown in FIG. 1A, in embodiments, the audio streaming device 108 andthe mobile device 122 may communicate with a network, enabling thedevices 108, 122 to perform additional functions, based on the decodedembedded data, for the user. As shown in FIG. 1A, a user may use apersonal computing device (e.g., a mobile device 122, etc.) or the audiostreaming device 108 to communicate with a network. The term “mobiledevice,” as used herein, may be a cell phone, a personal digitalassistant (PDA), a portable email device (e.g., a Blackberry®), or anyother device having communication capability to connect to the networkusing cellular services.

In embodiments, the mobile device 122 or the audio streaming device 108connects using one or more cellular transceivers or base stationantennas 116 (in cellular implementations), access points, terminaladapters, routers, modems or Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) access point 118(in IP-based telecommunications implementations), or combinations of theforegoing (in converged network embodiments). WiFi access points arepart of a WiFi network, which operate according to Institute ofElectrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard. These WiFinetworks are generally private LAN networks, such as those networksfound in a home or a small office, and typically have an indoor range ofone hundred and fifty to three hundred feet, with performance likely todegrade as the distance increases.

In some instances, the network 120 is the Internet, allowing the audiostreaming device 108 or the mobile phone 122 (with, for example, WiFicapability) to access web content offered through various web servers114. In some instances, especially where the phone 122 is used to accessweb content through the network 120 (e.g., when a 3G or an LTE serviceof the phone 122 is used to connect to the network 120), the network 120may be any type of cellular, IP-based or converged telecommunicationsnetwork, including but not limited to Global System for MobileCommunications (GSM), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), CodeDivision Multiple Access (CDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division MultipleAccess (OFDM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSMEnvironment (EDGE), Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS), WorldwideInteroperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Universal MobileTelecommunications System (UMTS), Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO), LongTerm Evolution (LTE), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Voice over InternetProtocol (VoIP), Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA), etc.

In some instances, the user uses one of the personal computing devices(e.g., the mobile phone 122) or the audio streaming device 108 toconnect to a broadcast station server 110 through the network 120. Insome embodiments, the broadcast station server 110 comprises a contentserver computer 112 coupled to a local database (not shown). The term“broadcast station server” as indicated herein, refers to a serverstation or other computing apparatus capable of hosting a web service,through a web server 114, which is accessible by other computing systems(e.g., the mobile device 122) through, for example, the Internet 120.

In embodiments, the broadcast station server 110 hosts contentassociated with a broadcast station and provides one or more servicesoffered by the broadcast station for its listeners. In embodiments, thebroadcast station server 110 interacts with the mobile phone 122 (or theaudio streaming device 108) to receive the decoded embedded data beingshared by the user with the broadcast station server 110. Inembodiments, the broadcast station server 110 provides customizedservice for the user based on the received embedded data. Inembodiments, the broadcast station server 110 receives embedded data,such as QR codes, and provides pre-associated services (e.g., servicesassociated with the QR code as stored in the local database) associatedwith the QR codes for the user.

In embodiments, the broadcast station server 110 allows the user tostore the embedded data, including digital coupons, received from thebroadcast station in the local database of the broadcast station server110. In embodiments, the broadcast station server 110 allows the user topurchase and store concert tickets, digital content, including music,etc., through the server 110 using the embedded data, such as digitalcoupons, provided by the broadcast station.

In embodiments, the broadcast station server 110 creates and associatesuser accounts for users on the server 110 to store the embedded data,purchases and other user associated information in the user accounts. Inembodiments, the broadcast station server 110 creates and associatesuser accounts for users based on identification information providedthrough the mobile phone 122 (or the audio streaming device 108), suchas electronic identification (EID) number associated with the devices.

For example, QR codes can be associated with digital coupons, marketingwebsites, audio programs, etc., in the local database on the broadcaststation server 110. When a particular QR code associated with a digitalcoupon for music downloads is received from a user through the mobilephone 122 (or the audio streaming device 108), the broadcast stationserver 110 matches the received QR code against the pre-associatedservices stored in the local database and retrieves and serves thedigital coupon for music downloads to the user.

In another example, a QR code can be associated with particularwebsites, such as concert promotion websites, allowing the broadcaststation server 110 to retrieve and serve the particular website to theuser through their mobile phone 122 when the associated QR code isreceived by the broadcast station server 110. Such concert promotionwebsites, for example, can allow the user to quickly and easily purchasetickets for a concert as they are being advertised over the broadcaststation.

In another example, a QR code received from a broadcast station can beassociated with concert tickets for a particular show, allowing thebroadcast station server 110 to purchase and store the concert ticketsfor the particular show in the broadcast server 110 when the QR code isreceived by the broadcast station server 110 from the user (eitherthrough the mobile phone 122 or the audio streaming device 108). Thebroadcast station server 110 can utilize any payment means available tothe broadcast station server 110 that is associated with the userpurchasing the tickets.

In embodiments, the broadcast station server 110 utilizes theinformation associated with the various user interactions with theserver 110 to help determine reach of a given broadcast station. Inembodiments, the broadcast station server 110 utilizes the number oflisteners who shared the decoded embedded data with the broadcaststation server 110 to determine a likely reach of the broadcast stationfor the audio program carrying the embedded data. For example, digitalcoupons being embedded in an audio program can be time-stamped todistinguish the same digital coupons when embedded in other audioprograms.

The broadcast station server 110 can associate with the time-stamp withthe embedded audio program, irrespective of when the user shared thedigital coupon with the broadcast station server 110. This allows thebroadcast station server 110 to determine the reach of a given audioprogram irrespective of when the listener listened to the audio program(e.g., when the listener time-shifted the listening of the audio programby recording the audio program).

In embodiments, the broadcast station server 110 utilizes the demographyinformation of the user (gathered through the user's computing devicesand other sources) and the digital coupons redeemed to by the users todetermine the appeal of different promotions across differentdemography. Such information can allow marketing agencies to better finetune their campaign to appeal to their targeted demography.

For example, promoting a new sneaker with a digital coupon for a freemusic download might best appeal to the younger demography that consumesmost of their music through digital music players. Other user behaviorinformation and marketing effectiveness can be determined by thebroadcast station server 110 utilizing various user interactioninformation, such as music being purchased with digital coupons, theaudio programs through which most coupons reach users, the demography ofthe user and the type of promotions that appeal to each demography, etc.

In embodiments, the broadcast station server 110 utilizes theinformation associated with the various user interactions with theserver 110 to determine the music interest of a particular user. Suchdetermined music interest of the particular user can be stored in theuser account associated with the particular user on the broadcaststation server 110. In embodiments, the broadcast station server 110utilizes the determined music interest of the particular user to providea custom digital radio station for the user.

In embodiments, the broadcast station server 110 streams the customdigital radio station to any digital music player associated with theuser, such as a mobile phone 122, which can communicate with thebroadcast station server 110. The above discussion provides anillustration of the various interactive services that a broadcaststation can provide its listeners utilizing the embedded data in theaudio programs provided to the listeners. It should be noted thatadditional services, not discussed above, can be rendered by thebroadcast station utilizing the embedded data utilizing well-knownmethods and the above discussion should not be considered limiting thepossible services to just those disclosed.

FIG. 1B a flow chart illustrating a method 125 for providing aninteractive entertainment system for a user in the general environmentdescribed above with reference to FIG. 1A. In step 130 of method 125,the dynamic data (e.g., user generated data such as Twitter messages) tobe embedded within the audio signal is gathered. In step 135 of method125, the audio signal within which to embed the received dynamic data ischosen. For example, a 60 ms portion of audio signal from the audiosignals of audio program being broadcast is chosen to embed the data. Instep 140 of method 125, the received dynamic data is embedded within achosen portion of the received audio signal. FIG. 2A provides furtherdetails of a technique for embedding data within audio signal.

In step 145 of method 125, the audio signal with the embedded data ismodulated within a RF carrier signal. For example, the audio signal withthe embedded data can be frequency modulated on a RF carrier signal inthe FM broadcast frequency. In step 150 of method 125, the modulated RFcarrier signal is broadcast. In step 155 of the method 125, thetransmitted RF carrier signal is received and the audio signal isdemodulated from the received RF carrier signal. For example, aquadrature detector can be utilized to demodulate audio signals that arefrequency modulated on a RF carrier signal.

In step 160 of the method 125, the embedded user data is detected anddecoded from the demodulated audio signal. FIG. 3 provides furtherdetails of a technique for detecting and decoding embedded data withinaudio signal. In step 165 of the method 125, the decoded embedded datais provided to the user. For example, the decoded embedded data can bean image of a QR code, associated with a digital coupon, which can bedisplayed to the user.

FIG. 2A provides a flowchart of a method 200 for embedding binary dataof the embedded data into the audio signals associated with audioprograms. In step 205 of method 200, the audio signal within which datais embedded is received. In step 210 of the method 200, the audio signalis divided into one or more subsection (also referred to as “frames”),where each subsection represents a portion of the audio program timelineassociated with the audio signal (e.g., 60 milliseconds of the audioprogram). In step 215 of the method 200, for each given frame, thefrequency domain data of the audio signal in the given frame isgenerated from the provided time domain data of the audio signal in thegiven frame.

In the time domain data, audio signal is provided as change in amplitudeover time. FIG. 2B provides an example of an audio signal provided inthe time domain 265, where the amplitude of the represented audio signalvaries from −10 to over 20 over the 55 ms time period. In one instance,Fast Fourier Transform or FFT, method is used to generate the frequencydomain data of the audio signal from the time domain data of the audiosignal. The Fourier Transform allows a time domain data of audio signalto be converted into complex frequency domain data of the audio signal,where the frequency domain data (i.e. the spectral data) containsinformation about both the amplitude and phase of the sinusoidalcomponents that make up the audio signal.

In step 215, any well-known implementation of the FFT can be utilized togenerate the frequency domain data of the audio signal. FIG. 2B providesan example of an audio signal provided about both the amplitude 270 andphase 275 of the sinusoidal components with respect to the frequency ofthe sinusoidal components that make up the audio signal in the frequencydomain. In FIG. 2B, the magnitude (i.e. amplitude) of each sinusoidalcomponent 270 represented by their respective frequency is provided,where the magnitude changes from −10 to over 20. In FIG. 2B, the phaseangle of each sinusoidal component 275 represented by their respectivefrequency is provided, where the phase angle changes from −180 to 180degrees and the frequency of the sinusoidal components changes from 0 Hz(DC component) to over 275 KHz (non-DC components).

In step 220, one of the frames (and its associated frequency domaindata) from the available frames is chosen to embed a single bit ofbinary data associated with the embedded data. In one instance, thechoice of frame can be based on the timeline of the audio programrepresented by the audio signals within the chosen frame. As discussedearlier, the data to be embedded, e.g., images or text, or convertedinto a linear array of binary data that can be embedded within the audiosignals. The binary data can later be used to recreate the embedded datain its original form, e.g. text format of the embedded data.

In step 225, the sinusoidal component with the lowest non-DC (i.e.greater than 0 Hz) frequency is chosen from the frequency domain data ofthe frame selected in step 220, where the chosen component is utilizedto embed the bit of binary data within the frequency domain data of theselected frame. In step 230, determine whether the binary bit to embedis “1” or “0”.

If the binary bit to encode is “1”, in step 235, determine whether thephase angle of the selected sinusoidal component is positive (i.e.between 0 and 180 degrees). If the phase angle is positive, move to step250. On the other hand, if the determined phase angle of the selectedsinusoidal component is negative (i.e. between −180 and 0 degrees), thenmove to step 245. In step 245, shift the phase angle of the selectedsinusoidal component by 180 degrees. For example, if the phase angle is−90 degrees and the bit to be encoded is “1”, then the phase angle isshifted by 180 degrees to 90 degrees.

If the binary bit to encode is “0”, in step 240, determine whether thephase angle of the selected sinusoidal component is negative (i.e.between −180 and 0 degrees). If the phase angle is negative, move tostep 250. On the other hand, if the determined phase angle of theselected sinusoidal component is positive (i.e. between 0 and 180degrees), then move to step 245. In step 245, shift the phase angle ofthe selected sinusoidal component by 180 degrees. For example, if thephase angle is 90 degrees and the bit to be encoded is “0”, then thephase angle is shifted by 90 degrees to −90 degrees.

In step 250, the frequency domain data of the various frames, includingthe frames with the phase shifted sinusoidal component, is convertedback into time domain audio signals. In one instance, the Inverse FastFourier Transform or IFFT, method is used to generate the time domaindata of the audio signal from the frequency domain data of the audiosignal from the various frames. The Inverse Fourier Transform allows thecomplex frequency domain data of the audio signal to be converted backinto a time domain data of audio signal, where the time domain datacontains information about the change in amplitude of the audio signalover time.

The converted audio signal now includes the binary bit embedded in thephase angle of the lowest non-DC sinusoidal component in a selectedframe. In step 250, any well-known implementation of the IFFT can beutilized to generate the time domain data of the audio signal. FIG. 2Bprovides an example of a time domain based audio signal 265 generatedfrom the frequency domain data 270, 275 associated with the audiosignal. The above described method 200 can be repeated till all thebinary bits associated with the embedded data is embedded within theaudio signals of associated audio program before the audio program isbroadcast.

FIG. 3 provides a flowchart of a method 300 for detecting and decodingthe embedded data from the audio signals, where the data was embeddedwithin the audio signals using the method 200. In step 305, the audiosignal with the embedded binary bit is received. In step 310, similar tostep 210 of method 200, the audio signal is divided intosubsections/frames. In step 315, similar to step 215 of method 200, thetime domain data of the audio signal within each frame is converted intocorresponding frequency domain data of the audio signal using FFT. Instep 320, similar to step 220 of method 200, a frame from the availableframes is selected, where the frequency domain data associated with theselected frame includes the embedded binary bit.

In step 325, similar to step 225 of method 200, the sinusoidal componentwith the lowest non-DC (i.e. greater than 0 Hz) frequency is chosen fromthe frequency domain data of the frame selected in step 320, where thechosen component embeds the bit of binary data within the frequencydomain data. In step 330, determine whether the phase angle of theselected sinusoidal component with the lowest non-DC frequency isnegative (i.e., between −180 and 0).

If the phase angle of the selected sinusoidal component is determined tobe negative in step 330, in step 335, the embedded binary bit isdetermined to be “0”. If the phase angle of the selected sinusoidalcomponent is determined to be positive in step 330, in step 340, theembedded binary bit is determined to be “1”. The above described method300 can be repeated till all the binary data associated with theembedded data is detected. Once all the binary bits of the embedded dataare gathered, the binary bits are converted into an original format ofthe embedded data, e.g., text format, pixel format for image, etc.

FIG. 4 provides an illustrative example of an audio streaming device108, 400, described with reference to FIG. 1A, which can be utilized toprovide an interactive listening experience to listeners of broadcastaudio programs. As discussed earlier, in embodiments, the audiostreaming device 400 includes a touch-sensitive display screen 404 todisplay information related to the demodulated audio program currentlybeing played and any embedded data decoded from the audio program beingplayed.

As shown in FIG. 4, the displayed information related to the demodulatedaudio program can include the title of the song being played 408, theband associated with the song, the station the song is being broadcaston, etc. Further, the embedded data decoded from the audio program beingplayed includes the image of the QR code 410, the real-time Tweets 412being received by the broadcast station, etc. The audio streaming device400 further displays the network communication status of the audiostreaming device 400 as bars representing strength of wirelesscommunication link 406.

The audio streaming device 400 further displays audio program sources asvarious bands, such as AM, FM, Satellite, and as recorded programs. Thelistener can choose any of the bands and listen to broadcast stationswithin the chosen bands or listen to previously recorded audio programs.The listeners can utilize the play-back controls 402, such as play,pause, rewind, fast-forward, etc., to control the play-back of therecorded audio program. The listeners can further utilize themulti-functional control knob 416 to not only control audio volume butalso select the channels and programs to be played. The audio streamingdevice 400 further includes preset channel buttons 418 that arepre-programmed to play audio programs currently being broadcast byspecific broadcast stations.

The audio streaming device 400 further includes an interactive button414 that can be pressed to perform one or more preset functionsassociated with the embedded data being currently displayed. In oneinstance, if the embedded data being displayed includes a QR code, theaudio streaming device 400 stores the QR code in the audio streamingdevice 400 when the button 414 is pressed. In another instance, theaudio streaming device 400 can be configured to interact with broadcaststation server 110 to retrieve digital coupons or purchase concerttickets using the received QR code when the button 414 is pressed. Thebutton 414 can be further configured to initiate one or more servicesoffered by the broadcast station server 110 when the button 414 ispressed and provide any results of the initiated service to the userthrough the audio streaming device 400.

In another instance, if the embedded data includes the data embedded bythe artist to enable a listener to directly purchase the music from theartist, the audio streaming device 400 displays a “purchase music” textnext to music currently playing through the audio streaming device 400.When the listener presses the button 414, the audio streaming device 400utilizes the embedded data to enable the listener to purchase the music.For example, as discussed earlier, the embedded data could be a URL linkto a website from where the artist's music can be purchased. Inembodiments, the audio streaming device 400 can be configured tointeract with broadcast station server 110 and purchase the musicthrough the broadcast station server 110.

In embodiments, the broadcast station server 110 can include useraccounts and digital wallets associated with the user accounts(discussed in detail below), where a particular audio streaming device400 is associated with a particular user account on the broadcaststation server 110. In embodiments, when the user presses the button 414to purchase the music playing through the audio streaming device 400,the audio streaming device 400 forwards the embedded URL to thebroadcast station server 110. The broadcast station server 110, in turn,identifies the user account associated with the audio streaming device400 and retrieves any payment source previously stored in the useraccount. The broadcast station server 110 then utilizes the URL and thepayment source to purchase and store the artist's music in the useraccount, enabling a one-click transaction facility to the listener.

In another instance, when the user presses the button 414 to purchasethe music playing through the audio streaming device 400, the audiostreaming device 400 generates a lead for the artist as a user interestquery sent from the user to the URL along with the contact informationof the user. For example, the audio streaming device 400 sends an emailcommunication to a mailbox associated with the URL along with the emailaddress of the user, expressing user's interest in purchasing the music.The artist or associated party, managing the mailbox, can thenindependently reach out to close the transaction with the user.

FIG. 5 provides an illustrative example of a listener utilizing apersonal computing device 500, such as a mobile phone 502, to utilizethe decoded embedded data for an interactive listening experience. Asdescribed earlier with reference to FIG. 1A and FIG. 4, the decodedembedded data can be displayed to the listener through a display screen.In embodiments, the broadcast station server 110 can have an associatedApp 504, which when installed on the user's smart phone 502, allows theuser to interact with the broadcast station server 110 utilizing thedecoded embedded data.

As discussed earlier, in some embodiments, the broadcast station server110 can identify the information associated with the user by matching astored user profile with any identifying information available on thesmart phone 502 which can be provided by the App 504 to the broadcaststation server 110. Using the user account, the broadcast station server110 can to provide customized service to the user based on the decodedembedded data provided by the user to the broadcast station server 110.

In FIG. 5, the user can scan the QR code displayed on the audiostreaming device 400 using the App 504. The App 504 then transfers thecaptured QR code to the broadcast station server 110. Based on thepreconfigured services associated with the QR code in the local databaseon the broadcast station server 110, the broadcast station serverdetermines one or more services to provide the user. In FIG. 5, thebroadcast station server 110 retrieves digital coupons 510, 512associated with the QR code and provides the retrieved coupons to theApp 504.

The App 504 displays the received coupons to the user, which the usercan utilize to avail of special promotions available only to listenersof the broadcast station. As discussed earlier, in embodiments, thebroadcast station server 110 stores the retrieved coupon in the useraccount associated with the user. Further, in embodiments, the broadcaststation server 110 allows the user to purchase goods and services, suchas concert tickets, digital music, etc., through the broadcast stationserver 110 using the stored coupons.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an apparatus that may perform variousoperations, and store various information generated and/or used by suchoperations, according to an embodiment of the disclosed technique. Theapparatus can represent any computer or processing system describedherein. The processing system 600 is a hardware device on which any ofthe entities, components or services depicted in the examples of FIGS.1-5 (and any other components described in this specification) can beimplemented, such as query prediction unit, storage unit, stats depotetc.

The processing system 600 includes one or more processors 605 and memory610 coupled to an interconnect 615. The interconnect 615 is shown inFIG. 6 as an abstraction that represents any one or more separatephysical buses, point to point connections, or both connected byappropriate bridges, adapters, or controllers. The interconnect 615,therefore, may include, for example, a system bus, a PeripheralComponent Interconnect (PCI) bus or PCI-Express bus, a HyperTransport orindustry standard architecture (ISA) bus, a small computer systeminterface (SCSI) bus, a universal serial bus (USB), IIC (I2C) bus, or anInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard 1394bus, also called “Firewire”.

The processor(s) 605 is/are the central processing unit (CPU) of theprocessing system 600 and, thus, control the overall operation of theprocessing system 600. In certain embodiments, the processor(s) 605accomplish this by executing software or firmware stored in memory 610.The processor(s) 605 may be, or may include, one or more programmablegeneral-purpose or special-purpose microprocessors, digital signalprocessors (DSPs), programmable controllers, application specificintegrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), trustedplatform modules (TPMs), or the like, or a combination of such devices.

The memory 610 is or includes the main memory of the processing system600. The memory 610 represents any form of random access memory (RAM),read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, or the like, or a combination ofsuch devices. In use, the memory 610 may contain a code. In oneembodiment, the code includes a general programming module configured torecognize the general-purpose program received via the computer businterface, and prepare the general-purpose program for execution at theprocessor. In another embodiment, the general programming module may beimplemented using hardware circuitry such as ASICs, PLDs, orfield-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

Also connected to the processor(s) 605 through the interconnect 615 area network adapter 630, a storage device(s) 620 and I/O device(s) 625.The network adapter 630 provides the processing system 600 with theability to communicate with remote devices, over a network and may be,for example, an Ethernet adapter or Fibre Channel adapter. The networkadapter 630 may also provide the processing system 600 with the abilityto communicate with other computers within the cluster. In someembodiments, the processing system 600 may use more than one networkadapter to deal with the communications within and outside of thecluster separately.

The I/O device(s) 625 can include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse orother pointing device, disk drives, printers, a scanner, and other inputand/or output devices, including a display device. The display devicecan include, for example, a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystaldisplay (LCD), or some other applicable known or convenient displaydevice.

The code stored in memory 610 can be implemented as software and/orfirmware to program the processor(s) 605 to carry out actions describedabove. In certain embodiments, such software or firmware may beinitially provided to the processing system 600 by downloading it from aremote system through the processing system 600 (e.g., via networkadapter 630).

The techniques introduced herein can be implemented by, for example,programmable circuitry (e.g., one or more microprocessors) programmedwith software and/or firmware, or entirely in special-purpose hardwired(non-programmable) circuitry, or in a combination of such forms.Special-purpose hardwired circuitry may be in the form of, for example,one or more ASICs, PLDs, FPGAs, etc.

Software or firmware for use in implementing the techniques introducedhere may be stored on a machine-readable storage medium and may beexecuted by one or more general-purpose or special-purpose programmablemicroprocessors. A “machine-readable storage medium”, as the term isused herein, includes any mechanism that can store information in a formaccessible by a machine.

A machine can also be a server computer, a client computer, a personalcomputer (PC), a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a set-top box (STB), apersonal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, an iPhone, aBlackberry, a processor, a telephone, a web appliance, a network router,switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set ofinstructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be takenby that machine.

A machine-accessible storage medium or a storage device(s) 620 includes,for example, recordable/non-recordable media (e.g., ROM; RAM; magneticdisk storage media; optical storage media; flash memory devices; etc.),etc., or any combination thereof. The storage medium typically may benon-transitory or include a non-transitory device. In this context, anon-transitory storage medium may include a device that is tangible,meaning that the device has a concrete physical form, although thedevice may change its physical state. Thus, for example, non-transitoryrefers to a device remaining tangible despite this change in state.

The term “logic”, as used herein, can include, for example, programmablecircuitry programmed with specific software and/or firmware,special-purpose hardwired circuitry, or a combination thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. An audio system comprising: one or moreprocessors; a receiver for receiving a broadcasted radio frequency (RF)carrier signal; at least one memory storing computer-executableinstructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, programthe one or more processors to perform operations including: demodulatinga portion of the RF carrier signal to receive a demodulated outputsignal, wherein the demodulated output signal includes a demodulatedaudio program having embedded data; extracting the embedded data fromthe demodulated audio program; sending at least a portion of theextracted embedded data to another device; and presenting informationrelated to the extracted embedded data on a display associated with theaudio system, wherein the information related to the extracted embeddeddata includes at least one of text, an image, or a network location. 2.The audio system as recited in claim 1, the operations furthercomprising: determining that the embedded data includes an image; andconverting a plurality of detected bits in the embedded data into aplurality of pixels of the image to present on the display.
 3. The audiosystem as recited in claim 1, wherein the audio system is included in amobile device including the display, the operations further comprisingpresenting the information related to the extracted embedded data in agraphic user interface on the display of the mobile device with at leastone user-interactive graphic element determined from the extractedembedded data.
 4. The audio system as recited in claim 3, wherein the atleast one user-interactive graphic element determined from the extractedembedded data includes an incentive for user interaction or a link to anincentive for user interaction.
 5. The audio system as recited in claim1, the operations further comprising: decoding a portion of the embeddeddata following a synchronization point to determine a data type of theembedded data; and based on determining the data type of the embeddeddata applying a selected decoding algorithm to decode the embedded data.6. The audio system as recited in claim 1, the operation of extractingthe embedded data further comprising dividing an audio signal associatedwith the demodulated audio program into constituent frequencycomponents.
 7. The audio system as recited in claim 6, the operation ofextracting the embedded data by dividing the audio signal associatedwith the demodulated audio program into constituent frequency componentsfurther comprising: determining frequency domain data of the audiosignal from time domain data of the audio signal, the frequency domaindata including information about phases of a plurality of sinusoidalcomponents of the audio signal; and extracting the embedded data basedat least in part on determining phase angles of individual sinusoidalcomponents of the plurality of sinusoidal components.
 8. The audiosystem as recited in claim 1, the operations further comprising sendingat least the portion of the embedded data to a remote computing deviceconfigured to received extracted embedded data from a plurality of otherdevices that extracted the extracted embedded data independently.
 9. Amethod comprising: receiving a broadcasted radio frequency (RF) carriersignal; demodulating, by one or more processors, a portion of the RFcarrier signal to receive a demodulated output signal, wherein thedemodulated output signal includes a demodulated audio program havingembedded data; extracting, by the one or more processors, the embeddeddata from the demodulated audio program; and at least one of: presentinginformation related to the embedded data on a display; or sending atleast a portion of the embedded data to another device.
 10. The methodas recited in claim 9, further comprising: determining that the embeddeddata includes an image; and converting a plurality of detected bits inthe embedded data into a plurality of pixels of the image.
 11. Themethod as recited in claim 9, wherein the audio system is included in amobile device including the display, or is able to communicate with amobile device including the display, the operations further comprisingpresenting the information related to the extracted embedded data in agraphic user interface on the display of the mobile device with at leastone user-interactive feature determined from the extracted embeddeddata.
 12. The method as recited in claim 9, further comprising: decodinga portion of the embedded data following a synchronization point todetermine a data type of the embedded data; and based on determining thedata type of the embedded data applying a selected decoding algorithm todecode the embedded data.
 13. The method as recited in claim 9, whereinextracting the embedded data further comprises dividing an audio signalassociated with the demodulated audio program into constituent frequencycomponents.
 14. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein extractingthe embedded data by dividing the audio signal associated with thedemodulated audio program into constituent frequency components furthercomprises: determining frequency domain data of the audio signal fromtime domain data of the audio signal, the frequency domain dataincluding information about phases of a plurality of sinusoidalcomponents of the audio signal; and extracting the embedded data basedat least in part on determining phase angles of individual sinusoidalcomponents of the plurality of sinusoidal components.
 15. An audiosystem comprising: one or more processors; a receiver for receiving abroadcasted radio frequency (RF) carrier signal; at least one memorystoring computer-executable instructions which, when executed by the oneor more processors, program the one or more processors to performoperations including: demodulating a portion of the RF carrier signal toreceive a demodulated output signal, wherein the demodulated outputsignal includes a demodulated audio program having embedded data;extracting the embedded data from the demodulated audio program; and atleast one of: presenting information related to the embedded data on adisplay; or sending at least a portion of the embedded data to anotherdevice.
 16. The audio system as recited in claim 15, the operationsfurther comprising: determining that the embedded data includes animage; and converting a plurality of detected bits in the embedded datainto a plurality of pixels of the image.
 17. The audio system as recitedin claim 15, wherein the audio system is included in a mobile deviceincluding the display, or is able to communicate with a mobile deviceincluding the display, the operations further comprising presenting theinformation related to the extracted embedded data in a graphic userinterface on the display of the mobile device with at least oneuser-interactive feature determined from the extracted embedded data.18. The audio system as recited in claim 15, the operations furthercomprising: decoding a portion of the embedded data following asynchronization point to determine a data type of the embedded data; andbased on determining the data type of the embedded data applying aselected decoding algorithm to decode the embedded data.
 19. The audiosystem as recited in claim 15, the operation of extracting the embeddeddata further comprising dividing an audio signal associated with thedemodulated audio program into constituent frequency components.
 20. Theaudio system as recited in claim 19, the operation of extracting theembedded data by dividing the audio signal associated with thedemodulated audio program into constituent frequency components furthercomprising: determining frequency domain data of the audio signal fromtime domain data of the audio signal, the frequency domain dataincluding information about phases of a plurality of sinusoidalcomponents of the audio signal; and extracting the embedded data basedat least in part on determining phase angles of individual sinusoidalcomponents of the plurality of sinusoidal components.